James Tavernier has admitted he is hoping for a Rangers testimonial after this season is out.
And that could be how he bows out of Ibrox.
Tavernier was thought to be close to a Gers exit in the summer window with clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar all reported to be interested in signing him.
That didn’t happen and he has continued to wear the armband even though he has floated in and out of the Rangers starting XI.
If the 33-year-old stays put after the January window too he will go onto complete ten seasons at the club and Tavernier would then be due a testimonial match.
James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers ‘not in’ Rangers plans
Beyond that though, Tam McManus reckons Tavernier doesn’t have a Rangers future.
And he puts Cyriel Dessers in that category too.
Philippe Clement was very complimentary about his skipper’s performance against St Johnstone but the pundits thinks that was only because the manager is trying to keep him on side with Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo now injured.
While Dessers has been dropped for Hamza Igamane for the last two games and didn’t even make it off the bench in Perth, Danilo coming on instead.
McManus reckons the signs show that neither features in Clement’s longer term plans.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer’s Football Show, he said: “He’s saying that now because his other two right-backs are injured, let’s be honest.
“Kasanwirjo and Sterling are both injured so he’s only got one right-back now. He’s not come out and said that two weeks ago when he was miles out the picture.
“James Tavernier could play until he’s 40 against St Johnstone, St Mirren and teams that just sit back. He’s not having to do defend.
“When he comes up against quality European opposition, or Celtic in particular, he gets found out.
“I think he’s in his last season at Rangers. Listen, the cards have fell nice for him just now because the other two are injured. But he was bombed out.
“It would be the same if Danilo or Igamane gets injured and Dessers goes back in. But I think long-term, James Tavernier and Dessers are not in Clement’s plans.”
Tavernier to be remembered fondly
Tavernier’s latter years at Rangers have been under a slight cloud amid underperformance and the captain sometimes bearing the brunt of that.
But McManus reckons his legacy will be recognised once he leaves after serving the club with distinction and being part of title number 55.
He insisted: “I don’t think he’s been a failure. I think he’s been a great servant to Rangers.
“He’s not a legend by any means, he’s not in that category. But I think he’s been a very, very, good servant for Rangers.
“He’s scored his fair share of goals, big goals and he was part of the team that stopped 10-in-a-row. That whole squad will be looked upon fondly in years to come.
“I think he’s a very talented player. I think his legs have gone now in terms of the highest level.
“But games like the weekend, St Johnstone sitting back, he can bomb forward and put crosses in. He’s not having to do things defensively.”
